Movement analysis, technology and biomechanics

Movement analysis, technology, and biomechanics is a key topic in WJEC A-Level Physical Education that explores the mechanical principles underlying human movement. It covers how forces, levers, and motion affect performance, and how modern technology is used to analyse and enhance athletic ability. Understanding biomechanics helps students appreciate why certain techniques are more efficient, how injuries can be prevented, and how performance can be optimised through scientific principles.

This topic is divided into three main areas: movement analysis (including levers, planes, and axes), biomechanical principles (such as Newton's laws, projectile motion, and stability), and technology (including video analysis, force plates, and wearable sensors). Students learn to apply these concepts to real-world sporting scenarios, from a gymnast performing a somersault to a sprinter's starting block technique. Mastery of this content is essential for analysing and improving performance in both practical and theoretical contexts.

Movement analysis, technology, and biomechanics connects directly to other A-Level topics like skill acquisition, sports psychology, and physiology. For example, understanding the biomechanics of a golf swing can inform practice schedules (skill acquisition) and reduce injury risk (physiology). In exams, students are expected to apply biomechanical principles to novel situations, interpret data from technology, and evaluate the effectiveness of different techniques. This topic is highly valued for its practical relevance and its role in developing critical thinking and analytical skills.